For the Children!

Last minute shopping for stocking stuffers. Baking their favorite cookies. Snuggling in front of their favorite Christmas movie. These are the signs that Christmas is just about here, and we find ourselves doing just about anything for the children.

Ultimately, we know that Christmas is much more than just cookies and presents under the tree. It is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In today’s Gospel reading he reminds us to be like children in our faith for the kingdom of God.

The Lord said, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them. – Mark 10.11-16

What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child? While this is not a Nativity reading (the Church is saving those for Friday and Saturday) it does speak to how we are to receive the “GIFT” of Christmas. Children wait with anticipation for the moment the presents are opened, and they trust their parents will give them something they have been dreaming about. The joy of parents on Christmas morning is experiencing the smiles on their children’s faces.

Then there’s the dreaded sweater….Sometimes at Christmas we receive gifts that we need but we are excited about. We searched the boxes under the tree and could predict the sweater. It was light and didn’t make any noise when we shook it. Once opened we graciously thanked our parents if we were smart. Then again, sometimes we just moved on to the next toy. By the end of Christmas Day, some of the toys were already broken and we grew tired of playing with others. In the corner was the sweater box, waiting for us to try it on to make sure it fit just right. We could always count on the sweater, and soon enough were happy we had something warm to wear in the cold of winter.

Anticipating the birth of Christ should come with the same excitement. Christ is loyal. He is always there, and when we need Him, we can always depend on Him to keep our hearts warm. He may not be a shiny toy, but He won’t be broken by the end of the day. As we approach the final moments of waiting for Christ at Christmas, I invite you to anticipate His Glorious Birth with the same anticipation as a child on Christmas morning. Only, don’t just put Him aside like a sweater. Put Him on. Wear Him. Allow Him to keep your heart warm.

Always remember, our children learn from our example. If we can teach our children this joy of Christmas, the joy of knowing that God has arrived to stay with us and live with us and IN us, then we will have given them the best Christmas present ever. We will have given them Christ on Christmas, and they will have received Him with joy!